Film 47/52: Up To His Ears (1965)


Despite what you may be thinking, 'U' is not for Ursula Andress, although that wouldn't be a bad reason to pick this film. Our feature selection for this week was the Philippe Broca film starring Jean-Paul Belmondo, Up To His Ears (aka Les tribulations d'un Chinois en Chine).

I acquired the film (in a double-feature paired with Broca's That Man from Rio, which we have yet to watch) in part because both films were referenced as inspirations for the Indiana Jones films. And while it's not like an Indiana Jones film, per se, it's not difficult to see the elements that justify the statement. 

Up To His Ears is the story of Arthur, a rich but despondent individual dead-set on committing suicide. His fiancee's family isn't too troubled by the idea, provided that their daughter be set to receive his wealth. When his financial manager explains that due to volatility in the market, he's now broke, Arthur tries once more to kill himself, only to be stopped by his Chinese spiritual adviser, who takes him to sign up for a month-long life insurance policy. His advisor and fiancee would split the $2 million dollar payout. But since suicide would void the policy, his spiritual adviser takes it upon himself to hire hitmen to kill Arthur when he leasts expects it.

Arthur is happy at first, and then frightened when he sees two men following him. He runs into and falls in love with a beautiful stripper (Andress), and ultimately decides life might be worth living after all. When he goes to tell his spiritual adviser to call off the hit, he finds out he's left for the Himalayas, and so he's off on a chase to get the hit called off, or die trying. 

It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World-like comedy, with slapstick hi-jinx and over-the-top stunts. But most importantly, it's a lot of fun. I can't help but see a Ringo Starr-goofiness in Belmondo, who is funny and charismatic in the role of Arthur. And Ursula Andress is the perfect beauty to capture the attention of this particular beast. She's introduced in a well orchestrated reverse striptease, where she goes from being completely naked behind feathers to fully dressed (thanks to skillful editing and photography). Vonna also was quick to point out that her skimpy underwear is not dissimilar to the bikini worn so famously in her outing as a Bond girl in Dr. No (1962). The supporting characters are a lot of fun as well, from his impatient in-laws to his Chinese spiritual adviser Mr. Goh, to his faithful and attentive manservant Leon and the strange pair tailing him across the globe.

I'm very pleased to have experienced this one on the big screen, and am really looking forward to catching up with That Man From Rio; based on what I've read, it sounds like we're sure to enjoy it as well!


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